This is the first part of a series showcasing the best gyms in hotels across the United States.  We’ll start with the most populated city: New York, and work our way through popular U.S. destinations.  Travelers venturing to New York know they are in for some walking but what if your trip is all stuffy business meetings and thinking outside the box?  (Raise your hand if you’re in corporate America and hate that phrase.)

To keep your fitness routine going while you’re away, consider one of these hotels that really put some thought into their gyms.

The New York Palace:

The New York Palace offers top of the line equipment and 7000 sq.ft. of spacious fitness center and spa.

If you find yourself without running shoes and workout clothes, (because you’re like me and forgot to pack that sort of thing) don’t sweat it (heh).  The New York Palace offers complimentary sneakers and workout clothes!  Each of the many cardio machines has it’s own personal screen.  Also free?  Bottled water and fruit.

Trump International Hotel and Tower:

Personal trainers at your service at the Trump International Hotel and Tower, NYC.

If you are a Plus One Active user, you will certainly find access to that as well as the internet in this hotel’s fitness center.  On top of having free personal trainers at your service, the center also can provide, upon request, a comprehensive fitness evaluation and nutritional counseling beyond ‘stay out of the carb-filled mini bar in your room, Missy/Mister.”

The Affinia Dumont:

The Affinia Dumont in New York City has a Fitness Concierge!

Complimentary Experience Kits come in yoga, running, and strength-training flavors and they are yours if you stay at this fabulous hotel.  In addition to the Experience Kits, the Affinia Dumont boasts a beautiful fitness center that is sure to get your mojo moving.  The Fitness Concierge (swanky!) “can offer fitness-related information about the neighborhood. And he can act as your personal trainer in our fitness center, or provide a complimentary fitness evaluation by request. (Yours, not his.)”

The Hyatt and the Grand Hyatt:

The Hyatt can deliver workout clothes to you room within an hour. (Charges apply.)

Trusted source TODAY loved this chain of hotels for their 24 hour fitness centers, as well as the service (gym clothes delivered to your room within an hour.)  “Some locations even offer customers a Garmin Forunner, a wrist-top GPS monitor, which you can borrow from the concierge and use during your run.“   TODAY went on to rate the fitness facilities a 5 out of 5.  {source}

The W:

The W

With three locations in New York City, The W covers a lot of ground both in geography and with their stunning “Sweat” centers.  Like the New York Palace, each cardio machine is outfitted with it’s very own screen.  No peeking!
While there are many more hotels in New York that boast beautiful workout centers, you and I both know the trick is motivating yourself to get into one.  With so much to do in New York City, you’d be hard-pressed to find me on a treadmill when I could be taking pictures of the sights of The Big Apple.  Still, these hotels seem to get it right.

Photo credits: The New York Palace, Trump International Hotel and Tower, The Affinia Dumont, The Hyatt and the Grand Hyatt, and The W.

Los Angeles International Airport, fondly known as LAX, is an inevitable stop on the way to Palm Springs, Asia, and parts of Mexico. Or even, Los Angeles itself!

Since LA is a driving town, and there isn’t really a downtown, you might as well stay at the airport if you can get a great deal. Here are three options, in our usual range of schmancy, nice, and on-a-budget.

Luxury: The Inn at Playa Del Ray

You don’t usually think “beach resort” and “airport hotel” but in Southern California all things are possible. The Inn at Playa Del Ray is gorgeous, the kind of place people visit, rather than merely stay.

Every morning you are welcomed to a full, hot breakfast buffet, laden with fresh, home-made bread and egg soufflés! See? Schmancy.

Afternoon tea at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

In the afternoon guests are invited to tea and cookies, and each evening you can enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres. There are private sunbathing gardens, and bikes for rides on the beach.

A room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Each of the 21 rooms is slightly different. Some have views of the bird sanctuary, others of the ocean. There are jacuzzis, fireplaces and sunny decks.

Another room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Sounds heavenly, and not at all like an airport hotel. Of course, with basic rooms starting at $275/night, probably most people are there for a vacation, not just a layover.

Mid-Range: Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

For hotel that is a lot less expensive, but still offers some decent amenities, take a look at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. It’s a Starwood property, so you can earn/use points, and you can get a room starting at $89/night, with suites available if you’re traveling with the whole family and need a little more space.

Room at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

There is an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room with cardio machines and free weights, and a gift shop filled with brightly colored mugs and shirts that will seem like a good idea at the time.

Heated pool at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

The rooms are a good size, there is both a bar and a restaurant on-site, and free airport pick up and drop off. Perfect for a tired traveler just passing through town.

Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

Budget: Super 8 Motel – Los Angeles/Airport LAX

With rooms as low as $60/night, you probably shouldn’t expect much beyond clean sheets and a door that locks. Located just a mile from the airport, this Super 8 offers a free LAX Airport shuttle, free “Super Start Breakfast” and free parking during your stay.

Super 8 LAX Breakfast Room

There is a 24 hour front desk so you check in and out at weird times, wifi and an outdoor pool.

Super 8 LAX pool

The rooms look clean and bright, and you have to love the candor of a place that lists California Pizza Kitchen and Quiznos Sub as “nearby restaurants”.

Super 8 LAX Room